Exploring a more excellent way. Love.

Taking Time

Every year when the end of Daylight Savings Time comes, I remember one Sunday about 25 years ago. We forgot to change our clocks back one hour the evening before and subsequently showed up to church an hour early. The pastor of our church was praying in the sanctuary in preparation for the upcoming gathering. He was not surprised that someone showed up early, but with a smile he invited us to join him in prayer. My dad graciously said, “Thanks, Pastor Mike, but I think I’ll take my son out to breakfast.” I don’t remember where we went or what we talked about, but what I do remember is that my dad, when given the gift of extra time, thought about spending it with me. There would have been nothing wrong about staying and praying, (I actually thought we were going to be in trouble if we didn’t.) but my dad found it equally valuable to hang out with his son.

Israel, listen! Our God is the Lord! Only the Lord!

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your being, and all your strength. These words that I am commanding you today must always be on your minds. Recite them to your children. Talk about them when you are sitting around your house and when you are out and about, when you are lying down and when you are getting up.

As I have said on many occasions, we love God best when we love others well. On that morning, my dad demonstrated that the first church we are to care for is our family. And, yes, we did come back for the worship gathering. And, no, we didn’t get in trouble.